The 17 Best Neo-Bridal Style Moments of the Summer: From Rihanna to Kate Middleton

As much as this is the summer of the little white dress, there have been a surprising number of grander gowns on the red carpet and at front row events—a neo-bridal moment that is sweeping the celebrity crowd. While the trend can certainly be viewed as wedding inspiration, it’s also a reminder that a big white dress can be styled more ways than one. And when worn in a fashion-forward way, they are anything but traditional.

The Met Gala played host to several offbeat interpretations, most notably on Kim Kardashian West. While Kanye wasn’t by her side at this year’s event, he was present in spirit, as she continued her minimalist makeover with off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood Couture that conveyed ease. A few weeks later at Cannes Film Festival, Kendall Jenner took the look one step further by pairing a voluminous Giambattista Valli Couture with nude Jimmy Choo sandals and sheer Falke socks. Meanwhile, Elle Fanning made her Cannes debut in a custom Vivienne Westwood princess dress that came covered with paint marks, complete with unicorns and hearts. It recalled the dress Angelina Jolie wore to marry Brad Pitt, which featured drawings done by their six children.

Once the Cannes red carpet was rolled up, there were the couture shows in Paris to consider. In the middle of Europe’s heat wave, many attendees took a lighter approach to their attire. Cara Delevingne shut down the Dior front row in a bustier dress and thigh-high boots. Offering a softer alternative was Tilda Swinton, whose ethereal Chanel maxi skirt and lightweight tweed jacket felt made for the unfussy bride on a destination wedding. Across the pond at the Royal Ascot opening, Kate Middleton stepped out in a relatively more buttoned-up Alexander McQueen. The full lace sleeves drew many comparisons to the Sarah Burton design she wore on her own wedding day, and though it was unceremoniously chastised for being too sheer, it felt infinitely more demure than other likeminded looks. See the slinky Nicolas Jebran dress Bella Hadid chose in Venice. With its plunging neckline and slit cut up to there, the silhouette exuded Old Hollywood glamour, particularly when coupled with a sparkling Bulgari necklace and matching bracelet—diamond engagement rings be damned.